What is Hireup?
Hireup is one of Australia’s largest online platforms connecting NDIS participants with support workers. Unlike traditional disability service providers, Hireup operates as an employment platform—all support workers on Hireup are directly employed by the company as casual employees, not independent contractors.
This employment model means Hireup handles:
- Superannuation contributions
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Tax withholding (PAYG)
- SCHADS Award compliance
For NDIS participants, Hireup offers a way to find and book support workers through an app or website, with transparent pricing and the security of knowing all workers are vetted, insured, and employed.
Hireup Client Pricing 2025-26
As of the 2025-26 financial year, here are the current Hireup rates that NDIS participants pay:
Standard Hourly Rates (for shifts 2 hours or longer)
| Time Period | Client Rate |
|---|---|
| Weekday (6am-8pm) | $69.09/hour |
| Weekday Evening (8pm-12am) | $75.88/hour |
| Weekday Night (12am-6am) | $77.23/hour |
| Saturday (all day) | $90.27/hour |
| Sunday (all day) | $116.23/hour |
| Public Holiday (all day) | $150.93/hour |
Short Shift Rates (for shifts under 2 hours)
| Time Period | Client Rate |
|---|---|
| Weekday (6am-8pm) | $79.18/hour |
| Weekday Evening (8pm-12am) | $87.24/hour |
| Weekday Night (12am-6am) | $88.87/hour |
| Saturday (all day) | $111.41/hour |
| Sunday (all day) | $143.70/hour |
| Public Holiday (all day) | $175.98/hour |
Note: Short shifts (under 2 hours) cost more per hour because support workers are entitled to a minimum 2-hour payment under the SCHADS Award, even for shorter shifts.
What’s Included in Hireup’s Pricing
Hireup’s rates are all-inclusive, meaning they cover:
- Support worker wages
- 25% casual loading
- Superannuation (11.5% in 2025)
- Workers’ compensation insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Platform fees and administration
- Worker training and screening
Hireup Support Worker Pay Rates 2025
If you’re considering becoming a Hireup support worker, here’s what you can expect to earn:
Hourly Pay Rates (for shifts 2 hours or longer)
| Time Period | Pay Rate (excl. super) | Super | Total Package |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday (6am-8pm) | $42.57/hour | $4.90/hour | $47.47/hour |
| Weekday Evening (8pm-12am) | $46.78/hour | $5.38/hour | $52.16/hour |
| Weekday Night (12am-6am) | $47.62/hour | $5.48/hour | $53.10/hour |
| Saturday (all day) | $58.98/hour | $6.78/hour | $65.76/hour |
| Sunday (all day) | $76.09/hour | $8.75/hour | $84.84/hour |
| Public Holiday (all day) | $93.52/hour | $10.75/hour | $104.27/hour |
Key Pay Features
- 25% Casual Loading: Included in all rates (in lieu of annual leave and sick leave)
- Superannuation: Currently 11.5% on top of base rate
- Penalty Rates: Automatic loading for evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays
- SCHADS Award Compliance: All rates meet or exceed the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award
How Pay Works at Hireup
- Weekly Pay Cycle: Support workers are paid weekly
- Automatic Tax Withholding: PAYG tax is deducted automatically
- Super Contributions: Paid directly to your nominated super fund
- Shift Minimums: 2-hour minimum payment applies to all shifts
How Hireup Compares to Other NDIS Platforms
Hireup vs Mable
| Feature | Hireup | Mable |
|---|---|---|
| Worker Status | Employed (casual) | Independent contractor |
| Client Weekday Rate | $69.09/hour | ~$63/hour average (with fees) |
| Worker Earnings | ~$47/hour (with super) | $58/hour average (before tax/super) |
| Rate Flexibility | Fixed rates | Workers set own rates |
| Insurance | Provided by Hireup | Workers arrange own |
| Super | Paid by Hireup | Workers manage own |
| Platform Fee | Built into rate | 7.95% client fee + 10% worker fee |
| NDIS Registration | Yes (registered provider) | No (platform only) |
Hireup vs Traditional Providers
| Feature | Hireup | Traditional Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Choice of Worker | You choose from profiles | Often assigned |
| Consistency | Same workers if available | May vary |
| Booking Flexibility | App-based, flexible | Often scheduled in advance |
| Rate Transparency | Published online | May vary, sometimes less transparent |
| Worker Pool | Large national network | May be limited by location |
Who Should Use Hireup?
Hireup may be ideal if you:
- Want to choose your own support workers
- Value the security of employed (not contractor) workers
- Are agency-managed and need a registered NDIS provider
- Want transparent, predictable pricing
- Prefer app-based booking and management
You might prefer alternatives if you:
- Want to negotiate rates directly with workers
- Are self-managed and want maximum flexibility
- Prefer to work with local, independent support workers
- Want lower overall costs (platforms like Mable may be cheaper)
Understanding NDIS Price Limits
Hireup’s rates are designed to fit within the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set by the NDIA. Here’s how the 2025-26 NDIS price limits compare:
NDIS Price Limits vs Hireup Rates
| Support Type | NDIS Price Limit | Hireup Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Daytime | $70.23/hour | $69.09/hour |
| Saturday | $98.16/hour | $90.27/hour |
| Sunday | $126.09/hour | $116.23/hour |
| Public Holiday | $154.02/hour | $150.93/hour |
As you can see, Hireup’s rates fall within or below the NDIS price limits, meaning participants can use Hireup regardless of how their plan is managed (self-managed, plan-managed, or agency-managed).
Who Can Use Hireup?
Plan Management Types
| Management Type | Can Use Hireup? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Agency-Managed | Yes | Hireup is a registered NDIS provider |
| Plan-Managed | Yes | Can use registered or unregistered providers |
| Self-Managed | Yes | Can use any provider |
NDIS Funding Categories
Hireup support typically comes from your Core Supports budget, specifically:
- Assistance with Daily Life
- Assistance with Social and Community Participation
Some supports may also be funded under Capacity Building, depending on your plan.
Pros and Cons of Hireup
Advantages
For Participants:
- Large network of vetted support workers
- All workers are employed, insured, and trained
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- App-based booking and management
- Registered NDIS provider (works with all plan types)
- Cancel or change bookings easily
- Rate workers and build relationships with favourites
For Support Workers:
- Guaranteed SCHADS Award pay rates
- Superannuation contributions
- Insurance coverage
- No need to chase payments
- Flexible casual work
- Training and professional development
- Stable employment with a reputable company
Disadvantages
For Participants:
- Fixed rates—cannot negotiate lower prices
- May cost more than independent workers on Mable
- Less personal than working with a local provider
- Limited to workers registered on the platform
For Support Workers:
- Cannot set your own rates
- Casual employment only (no permanent positions)
- Platform takes a significant margin
- Competition from many other workers
- Must meet Hireup’s requirements and policies
Tips for Using Hireup Effectively
For NDIS Participants
- Create a Detailed Profile: Help workers understand your needs, preferences, and goals
- Be Specific in Job Posts: Clearly describe what support you need and when
- Interview Multiple Workers: Meet a few potential matches before committing
- Build a Team: Have 2-3 reliable workers to avoid gaps if someone is unavailable
- Communicate Clearly: Use the app’s messaging to confirm details and build rapport
- Rate Your Workers: Help good workers build their reputation
- Plan Ahead: Book regular shifts in advance to secure your preferred workers
For Support Workers
- Complete Your Profile Thoroughly: Photos, qualifications, and a compelling bio attract clients
- Respond Quickly: Fast responses to job requests increase your chances of being selected
- Be Reliable: Cancellations hurt your reputation and rating
- Build Relationships: Consistent clients provide steady work
- Keep Availability Updated: Accurate availability helps you get matched with suitable shifts
- Seek Training: Additional skills and certifications make you more marketable
- Communicate Professionally: Good communication builds trust with clients
Alternatives to Hireup
If Hireup isn’t the right fit, consider these alternatives:
Online Platforms
- Mable: Independent contractor model with negotiable rates
- Like Family: Social support and companionship focused
- Careseekers: Connects participants with independent workers
- Better Caring: Platform for finding aged care and disability support
Traditional Providers
Traditional NDIS providers like MD Home Care offer a different approach:
Benefits of Traditional Providers:
- Dedicated care coordinators who know you
- Consistent, hand-picked support workers
- Clinical oversight (nurse-led teams)
- Support Coordination services
- More personalised service
- Local knowledge and community connections
At MD Home Care, we combine the best of both worlds—you get choice and flexibility while benefiting from our experienced team, clinical oversight, and genuine relationships with your support workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Hireup support workers get paid?
Hireup support workers earn approximately $47.47/hour on weekdays (including superannuation), with higher rates for evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Sunday rates are around $84.84/hour and public holidays are approximately $104.27/hour.
Is Hireup cheaper than other NDIS providers?
Hireup is generally priced competitively within NDIS price limits. It may be more expensive than independent workers on platforms like Mable but is often comparable to or cheaper than traditional providers.
Can I use Hireup if I’m agency-managed?
Yes. Hireup is a registered NDIS provider, so agency-managed participants can use their services. Your funding will be paid directly from your plan to Hireup.
Do Hireup workers need qualifications?
Hireup workers don’t necessarily need formal qualifications, but they must complete Hireup’s onboarding process, including police checks, NDIS Worker Screening, and platform training. Many workers do hold Certificate III or IV in Disability or related qualifications.
Can I request the same support worker each time?
Yes. Once you find workers you like, you can add them as favourites and request them for future bookings. Building a consistent team is encouraged.
What happens if a Hireup worker cancels?
Hireup has cancellation policies and can help you find replacement support if a worker cancels. Workers who cancel frequently may face consequences on the platform.
How does Hireup handle complaints?
Hireup has a support team to handle complaints and disputes. As an NDIS-registered provider, they must comply with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements.
Making the Right Choice for Your Support Needs
Choosing how to access support workers is a personal decision that depends on your:
- Plan management type
- Budget and funding
- Preference for flexibility vs consistency
- Comfort with technology
- Local availability of workers
- Specific support needs
Hireup offers a solid option with transparent pricing, employed workers, and the security of a registered provider. However, it’s not the only choice—and for many participants, working with a dedicated local provider offers benefits that platforms can’t match.
How MD Home Care Compares
At MD Home Care, we offer an alternative to platform-based services:
- Dedicated Care Manager: One point of contact who knows you and your needs
- Hand-Picked Workers: We match you with support workers based on compatibility, not just availability
- Clinical Oversight: Registered nurses oversee care for complex needs
- Local Expertise: We know Sydney and Melbourne communities inside out
- Relationship-Focused: We build genuine connections, not just service delivery
- Transparent Pricing: Low management fees (15%) with no hidden costs
- Support Coordination: We can help you navigate the entire NDIS system
Whether you choose Hireup, another platform, or a provider like MD Home Care, the most important thing is finding support that helps you live the life you want.
Looking for support workers who feel like family? Contact MD Home Care to discuss your needs with our experienced team.
